Increase In Volume Research Articles

Evaluation of diuretic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Leptadenia pyrotechnica in rats

In traditional Indian medicine, the whole plant of Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Asclepiadaceae) is said to have a strong diuretic effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diuretic potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of Leptadenia pyrotechnica (HALPE) in rats. Group I, control (0.5% CMC saline, 10 ml/kg, b.w.), group II, furosemide (10 mg/kg b.w.) as a standard drug, and different concentrations of L.P. (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b.w.) were administered intraperitoneally (n = 5 per treatment group) to hydrated rats, and their urine output was monitored at 6 h, 12 h, and 18 h after drug administration. The diuretic effect of the extract was highly significant compared to control animals. Halpe at a dose of 400 mg/kg shows a significant increase in urine volume with increased urine output. This study suggests that the active component of L.P. had a diuretic effect similar to that of furosemide. These results confirm the traditional use of Leptadenia pyrotechnica as a diuretic agent. Since ancient times, medicinal plants, sometimes called herbs, have been used in various traditional medical procedures. Leptadenia pyrotechnica is a plant commonly known as the chimp. It is traditionally used in rural areas for the treatment of many diseases, such as antifungal, antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, wound healing, anthelmintic, atherosclerosis, hypolipidemia, diuretic, diabetes, and hepatoprotective. In rural areas, this plant is also used as medicine and as a vegetable. First, the plants are dried and turned into powder, which is then used as a paste for ringworm, antifungal, wound treatment, and new plants for many other diseases.

Evaluation of physicochemical properties of Rohu fish noodles

Functional noodles are considered nutritious and healthy staple food products. This study aimed to develop value-added rohu fish noodles (Labeo rohita) and evaluate their physicochemical properties. Six noodle samples were prepared following several formulations. After a 2-day drying process, the noodles were stored in air-resistant plastic bags. The formulated noodles were investigated based on their physical (water absorption capacity, cooking loss, and volume increase) and chemical (moisture, ash, protein, fat, and fiber) properties. Statistical analysis revealed that the inclusion of rohu fish mince significantly increased moisture and protein content (p<0.01), while carbohydrate, energy, water absorption capacity, cooking loss, and volume decreased significantly (p<0.01). Noodles with the highest fish mince content (30%) demonstrated a higher amount of moisture (13.07%), ash (6.7%), fat (1.87%), protein (30.08%), sodium (0.64 mg), and calcium (0.26 mg), accompanied by reduced carbohydrate (48.3%) and energy (330.31 kcal). This formulation also exhibited lower water absorption capacity, cooking loss, and volume. Notably, no significant differences (p>0.05) were found in ash, fiber, fat, and mineral content among the various fish noodle samples. This study concludes that the incorporation of rohu fish mince can enhance the nutritional properties of traditional noodles.

Optimization research of handwritten digit recognition algorithm based on hardware neural networks

In the modern era of digitization, the widespread application of handwritten numerical data has led to an exponential increase in data volume, necessitating efficient real-time recognition and processing systems. This project is grounded in the foundational structure of neural networks, with a specific focus on integrating these networks into hardware through Very-Large-Scale Integration (VLSI). The primary objective is to achieve faster processing speeds, lower power consumption, and real-time operations. The central emphasis of this study is the design and implementation of a hardware neural network system tailored specifically for handwritten digit recognition. Drawing from neural network theory, we explore the construction of a hardware-based handwritten digit classifier. The fundamental model employed is the single-layer perceptron neuron model. Upon receiving 28x28 pixel grayscale images, the image classifier utilizes pre-trained weights, activation functions, and a maximum selector to compare and output recognition results for numerical digits. The concrete implementation is realized using the Verilog hardware description language, coupled with algorithm optimization strategies to enhance performance and efficiency. This research endeavor aims to provide an effective hardware solution for real-time handwritten digit recognition in the digital age.

Flexible Ni‐Based Bimetallic Spinel Oxide (NiM2O4, M = Mn, Fe, Co) Electrodes for Supercapacitor Applications

Herein, the single‐phase Ni‐based bimetallic spinel oxide (NiM2O4, M = Mn, Fe, Co) nanoparticles are successfully synthesized by sol–gel method and coated on a carbon cloth substrate to form flexible electrodes for supercapacitor applications. The effects of transition metal activity, calcination temperature, surface, and textural properties on the electrochemical properties of spinel electrode materials are demonstrated. It is found that lowering the calcination temperature results in a decrease in crystallite size and particle size, leading to an increase in surface area and pore volume. X‐Ray absorption spectroscopy reveals the presence of Mn2+/3+, Fe2+/3+, and Co2+/3+ in materials. According to the electrochemical studies, NiMn2O4 electrode in Na2SO4 electrolyte exhibits electrical double‐layer capacitance behavior, while NiFe2O4 and NiCo2O4 electrodes in KOH electrolyte exhibit pseudocapacitive behavior. All electrode materials have low solution resistance and charge transfer resistance. NiCo2O4 provides the highest specific capacitance (85.60 F g−1 at 2.5 A g−1) followed by NiFe2O4 and NiMn2O4. It seems likely that the high electrochemical activity of Co2+/3+ and small particle size of NiCo2O4 nanoparticles play an important role in improving the redox process and charge transfer, which may enhance the electrochemical performance of this electrode material.

A secure and transparent communication mechanism based on blockchain and fuzzy evaluation matrix in metaverse industry 4.0

ABSTRACT Recently, Metaverse is gaining prominence within the field of radiology due to its potential to revolutionize image visualization. Radiologists can harness its capabilities to access dynamic, highly detailed results, thereby enhancing diagnostic precision. Digital twins, at the core of the Metaverse, are digital replicas of real-world objects and entities. They serve as the foundational building blocks, enabling the creation of virtual counterparts for everything within the Metaverse. To ensure the reliability of these digital twins, blockchain technology offers a multi-dimensional data storage solution, reinforcing data integrity and trustworthiness. It is used to ensure a transparent and 3D visualization of each communication and interaction for further looking up any criticality if present in the network. With the rapid increase in value and volume of data, the evolution of the metaverse faces a number of privacy and security concerns. Furthermore, the metaverse in Industry 4.0 is a trending topic that further needs to focus on its security challenges at its initial stage. Fortunately, blockchain is considered as one of the significant solutions. The aim of this paper is to propose a secure and efficient fuzzy evaluation matrix by computing the trust values along with integrating with blockchain mechanism in industry 4.0 enabling metaverse environment. The proposed mechanism is validated against various security concerns such as broken authentication, eavesdropping, personal information leakage, data injection, and unauthorized access. The proposed mechanism showed the validation rate against existing schemes with an improvement of 94% in comparison of several security metrics.

Tumor Growth Kinetics Based on Initial Tumor Volume Doubling Time in Active Surveillance of Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

During active surveillance (AS) of low-risk papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs), the majority remain stable, while some exhibit either increase or decrease in tumor diameter or tumor volume (TV). We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes and relevant parameters influencing tumor growth kinetics of low-risk PTCs. This retrospective cohort study evaluated clinical parameters of 402 patients with low-risk PTC sized <2 cm, with a follow-up duration over 3 years. Changes in maximum tumor diameter, TV, and initial TV doubling time (i-TVDT) calculated within 3-year were assessed. A significant change in TV was defined as a change of 75% or more. Of the 402 patients with low-risk PTC, 93.3% (375/402) were diagnosed with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. During a median follow-up of 5 years, 3.4% (14/402) of patients developed new cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis, and 8.2% (33/402) experienced maximal diameter increase of ≥3 mm. The i-TVDT of <5 years emerged as an independent risk factor for both maximal diameter growth and new LN metastasis (p<0.001 and p=0.04, respectively). Based on TV changes and i-TVDT during AS, we identified four statistically significant tumor kinetic patterns (p<0.001): Stable (±75% change in TV), Rapid growth (TV increase >75% and i- TVDT <5 years), Slow growth (TV increase >75% and i-TVDT ≥5 years), and Shrinkage (TV decrease >75%). Most of the PTCs remained stable (67.7%), but 17.2% were rapidly growing, with a median onset of growth of 2.0 years. Slowly growing PTCs, comprising 10.9%, grew at a median of 4.3 years. A minority, 4.2%, exhibited shrinkage. In total, 115 (28.6%) patients underwent delayed surgery >12 months after initiating AS. The reasons for delayed surgery included patient preference (51/115, 44.3%), disease progression (31/115, 27.0%), and suspected disease progression, which was referred to as tumor growth not meeting the criteria of an increase of ≥3 mm in maximal tumor diameter (17/115, 14.8%). An i-TVDT of <5 years serve as an important prognostic indicator for disease progression, including tumor growth and new LN metastasis. The four tumor kinetic patterns based on TV changes and i-TVDT assist in guiding personalized decisions early in AS.

(Digital Presentation) The Effect of Coating Quality on Water Transport in the Gas Diffusion Layer of PEM Fuel Cells

Present study examines the impact of the quality of the GDL non-wetting coating on water transport. It is found that there are two distinct regions defined by the coating quality which present fundamentally distinct behaviours, one region characterized by few coating defects with the second marked by significant coating degradation. Simulations consider the influence of heterogeneous wetting and pinning conditions on protruding water droplets in contact with the GDL fibrous matrix. The mixed-non-wetting behaviour for a uniform non-wetting coating having less than 25% defects is characterized by a high breakthrough pressure, yielding improved transport properties in the stable displacement regime. The coating degrades under normal operating conditions and it changes the water transport characteristics unfavorably through a significant decrease in breakthrough pressure, and an up to six-fold increase in droplet volume. Various degrees of coating degradation are considered and the corresponding Laplace pressure is determined as a function of droplet volumes at breakthrough.

BE-WEL trial (breast: evaluation of weight and exercise for lymphoedema) testing weight control and exercise programmes for women with breast cancer related lymphoedema: a feasibility trial.

A combined body weight loss and upper body/arm exercise programme is a potential strategy for managing Breast cancer related lymphoedema (BCRL), but there is limited data on the best method for delivery or its potential efficacy. Fifty-seven women with overweight/obesity and BCRL were randomised to a 12week supervised (n = 12) or home-based combined weight loss and upper body/arm exercise programme (n = 16), a home-based upper-body arm exercise only programme (n = 17) or standard care (n = 12). Primary outcomes were uptake, retention and changes in weight and change in Relative Arm Volume Increase (RAVI) using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Sixteen percent of women invited joined the study and 49 completed the trial (85% retention). Reductions in weight occurred in the supervised and home-based weight control and exercise programmes; Mean (95% CI) change compared to standard care -1.68 (- 4.36 to - 1.00), - 2.47(- 4.99 to - 0.04)Kg. Reductions in perometer assessed RAVI were seen in the supervised and home-based combined weight control and arm exercise groups and the weight stable home-based arm exercise only group: mean (95% CI) change compared to standard care - 2.4 (- 5.0 to + 0.4),- 1.8 (- 4.3 to + 0.7), - 2.5(- 4.9 to - 0.05)%. Women with BCRL and overweight and obesity engaged in diet and exercise weight loss programmes. Both weight loss/arm exercise programmes led to modest changes in weight and BCRL. Comparable reductions in BCRL were reported in the weight stable group undertaking arm exercise only. The independent and combined effects of weight loss and exercise on BCRL need further study. ISRCTN86789850 https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN86789850 , registered 2011.

Is more better? A multilevel analysis of percutaneous coronary intervention hospital openings and closures on patient volumes.

It is unknown how changes in the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) "built environment" have impacted PCI volumes at the community, hospital, and patient levels. This study sought to determine how PCI hospital openings and closures effect community- and hospital-level PCI volumes as well as the likelihood of receiving PCI at a low-volume hospital. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 3,966,025 Medicare Fee-For-Service patients in 37,451 zip codes and 2564 U.S. hospitals who underwent PCI from 2006 to 2017. We conducted community-, hospital-, and patient-level analyses using ordinary least squares regressions with fixed effects to determine changes in PCI volumes after PCI hospital openings or closures. Between 2006 and 2017, a total of 17% and 7% of patients lived in communities that experienced PCI hospital openings and closures, respectively. Openings were associated with a 10% increase in community PCI volume, a 2% increase in the share of elective PCI, and a doubling in the likelihood of receiving PCI at a low-volume hospital. In communities with low baseline PCI capacity, openings were associated with a 12% increase in community PCI volume, and in high-capacity communities, an 8% increase. PCI closures were associated with a 9% decrease in community PCI volume in high-capacity communities but no measurable change in low-capacity communities. PCI service expansion is associated with increased PCI at low-volume hospitals and a greater number of elective procedures. Increased governmental oversight may be necessary to ensure that openings and closures of these specialized services yield the desired benefits.

VENTRICULAR ARRHYTHMIAS IN A UNEXPECTED CARDIAC MAGNETIC RESONANCE

Abstract Background Electrical storm in a widespread inflammation of the myocardium represent a very challenge condition and recognizes a broad spectrum of etiology. Case Presentation A 59–year–old man, without significant prior medical history, came to our attention because, following an emergent hernioplasty procedure, he displayed anterior ST–segment elevation and elevated troponin levels (150.000 ng/L). An echocardiogram revealed an estimated left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) of 39% with anterior hypokinesia. Coronary angiography showed no abnormalities. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated ring–like edema and ring–like late gadolinium enhancement in the left ventricle on T2–weighted and PSIR sequences, with no involvement of the right ventricle. Additionally, there was an increase in extracellular volume. Despite several laboratory tests to investigate infectious or autoimmune causes, the etiology remained inconclusive. To further explore the cause, an endomyocardial biopsy was performed. However, the patient experienced an unstable electrical storm three days later. Management Recurrent ventricular tachycardia (VT) was initially treated with esmolol, amiodarone, and procainamide, but with limited success. Due to VT–induced hemodynamic instability, the patient was sedated with propofol and intubated. Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) confirmed lymphocytic myocarditis. In light of the hemodynamic instability and refractory electrical storm, the patient was promptly cannulated for veno–arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA–ECMO) and started on methylprednisolone. Although there was an apparent resolution of VT, the patient experienced new episodes, necessitating percutaneous stellate ganglion block and an upgraded treatment plan that included mycophenolate mofetil. Given the high burden of arrhythmias, severe ventricular dysfunction, and the lack of response to medications, the patient is now awaiting cardiac transplantation. Conclusion Transmural edema and ring–like late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in the early phase are predictors of a poor prognosis. In cases of hemodynamic deterioration and refractory electrical storms, it is crucial to promptly initiate mechanical support. Cardiac transplantation remains the sole treatment option for individuals who do not respond to antiarrhythmic and immunosuppressive drugs.

The Pitfalls of Review Solicitation: Evidence from a Natural Experiment on TripAdvisor

This study examines the effect of firms’ participation in platform-endorsed review solicitation programs on consumers’ online review generation. We leverage a natural experiment on TripAdvisor, which launched a review solicitation program that allows hotels to collect reviews directly from guests after their stays with the aid of certified connectivity partners. Applying a two-stage difference-in-differences approach to a panel data set of online reviews for a matched set of hotels across TripAdvisor and Expedia, we find that hotels’ participation in the review solicitation program results in a 34.3% increase in review volume, a 0.151 increase in review rating, but a 16.9% decrease in review length. Review solicitation, however, generates a notable negative spillover effect on the volume of organic reviews. Specifically, the volume of organic reviews is reduced by 15.5% after hotels start soliciting reviews. We provide evidence that the motivational crowding-out effect plays an important role in driving this negative spillover. Further analyses reveal that the effects of review solicitation are heterogeneous with respect to hotels of different types and consumers with different demographic and behavioral characteristics. Finally, using a novel structural topic model, we detect a significant shift in review content from specific and concrete topics to general and abstract topics. Our findings suggest that review platforms and firms should be cautious about the unintended negative consequences of review solicitation on consumers’ review generation. This paper was accepted by Hemant Bhargava, information systems. Funding: This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 72371192, 72132008, 71872061, and 72061127002] and the Humanities and Social Science Fund of Ministry of Education of China [Grant 22YJA630021]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.01006 .

Gastric pressure monitoring unveils abnormal patient-ventilator interaction related to active expiration: a retrospective observational study.

Patient-ventilator dyssynchrony is frequently observed during assisted mechanical ventilation (MV). However, the effects of expiratory muscle contraction on patient-ventilator interaction are underexplored. We hypothesized that active expiration would affect patient-ventilator interaction and we tested our hypothesis in a mixed cohort of invasively ventilated patients with spontaneous breathing activity. This is a retrospective observational study involving patients on assisted MV who had their esophageal (Pes) and gastric (Pgas) pressures monitored for clinical purposes. Active expiration was defined as Pgas rise (ΔPgas) ≥1.0 cmH2O during expiratory flow without a corresponding change in diaphragmatic pressure (Pdi). Waveforms of Pes, Pgas, Pdi, flow, and airway pressure (Paw) were analyzed to identify and characterize abnormal patient-ventilator interaction. We identified 76 patients with Pes and Pgas recordings, of whom 58 demonstrated active expiration with a median ΔPgas of 3.4 cmH2O (IQR=2.4-5.3) observed in this subgroup. Among these 58 patients, 23 presented the following events associated with expiratory muscle activity: (1) distortions in Paw and flow that resembled ineffective efforts, (2) distortions similar to autotriggering, (3) multiple triggering, (4) prolonged ventilatory cycles with biphasic inspiratory flow, with a median % (IQR) increase in mechanical inflation time and tidal volume of 54% (44-70%) and 25% (8-35%), respectively and (5) breathing exclusively by expiratory muscle relaxation. Gastric pressure monitoring was required to identify the association of active expiration with these events. Respiratory drive, assessed by the rate of inspiratory Pes decrease, was significantly higher in patients with active expiration (median [IQR] dPes/dt: 12.7 [9.0-18.5] vs 9.2 [6.8-14.2] cmH2O/sec; p<0.05). Active expiration can impair patient-ventilator interaction in critically ill patients. Without documenting Pgas, abnormal patient-ventilator interaction associated with expiratory muscle contraction may be mistakenly attributed to a mismatch between the patient´s inspiratory effort and mechanical inflation. This misinterpretation could potentially influence decisions regarding clinical management.

Effect of Salt Solution Tracer Dosage on the Transport and Mixing of Tracer in a Water Model of Asymmetrical Gas-Stirred Ladle with a Moderate Gas Flowrate

In previous research simulating steelmaking ladles using cold water models, the dosage/volume of the salt tracer solution is one of the factors that has been overlooked by researchers to a certain extent. Previous studies have demonstrated that salt tracers may influence the flow and measured mixing time of fluids in water models. Based on a water model scaled down from an industrial 130-ton ladle by a ratio of 1:3, this study investigates the impact of salt tracer dosage on the transport and mixing of tracers in the water model of gas-stirred ladle with a moderate gas flow rate. A preliminary uncertainty analysis of the experimental mixing time is performed, and the standard deviations were found to be less than 15%. It was observed in the experiments that the transport paths of tracers in the ladle can be classified into two trends. A common trend is that the injected salt solution tracer is asymmetrically transported towards the left sidewall of the ladle by the main circulation. In another trend, the injected salt solution tracer is transported both by the main circulation to the left side wall and by downward flow towards the gas column. The downward flow may be accelerated and become a major flow pattern when the tracer volume increases. For the dimensionless concentration curve, the sinusoidal type, which represents a rapid mixing, is observed at the top surface monitoring points, while the parabolic type is observed at the bottom monitoring points. An exception is the monitoring point at the right-side bottom (close to the asymmetric gas nozzle area), where both sinusoidal-type and parabolic-type curves are observed. Regarding the effect of tracer volume on the curve and mixing time, the curves at the top surface monitoring points are less influenced but curves at the bottom monitoring points are noticeably influenced by the tracer volume. A trend of decreasing and then increasing as the tracer volume increases was found at the top surface monitoring points, while the mixing times at the bottom monitoring points decrease with the increase in the tracer volume.

Data-Driven Predictive Analysis and Sustainable Management of Concrete Waste in Pakistan

The construction sector of Pakistan is on a cross-growth trajectory, developing under the twin pressures of emerging infrastructure-based demands and sustainable practices that need to be inculcated urgently. This article focuses on the critical evaluation of sustainable waste management practices within the fast-developing construction industry of Pakistan, and clearly delineates a research gap in the current methodologies and use of data combined with the absence of a strategy for effective management of concrete waste. This research aims to utilize an algorithm based on machine learning that will provide accurate prediction in the generation of construction waste by harnessing the potential of real-time data for improved sustainability in the construction process. This research has identified fundamental factors leading systematically to the generation of concrete waste by creating an extensive dataset from construction firms all over Pakistan. This research study also identifies the potential concrete causes and proposed strategies towards the minimization of waste with a strong focus on the reuse and recycling of the same concrete material to enhance the adoption of sustainable practices. The prediction of the model indicates that the volumes of construction are to increase to 158 cubic meters by 2030 and 192 cubic meters by 2040. Further, it projects the increase in concrete construction waste volumes to 223 cubic meters by the year 2050 through historical wastage patterns.

Strong Swelling and Symmetrization in Siliceous Zeolites due to Hydrogen Insertion at High Pressure.

Hydrogen and helium saturate the 1D pore systems of the high-silica (Si/Al>30) zeolites Theta-One (TON), and Mobile-Twelve (MTW) at high pressure based on x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and Monte Carlo simulations. In TON, a strong 22% volume increase occurs above 5 GPa with a transition from the collapsed P21 to a symmetrical, swelled Cmc21 form linked to an increase in H2 content from 12 H2/unit cell in the pores to 35 H2/unit cell in the pores and in the framework of the material. No transition and continuous collapse of TON is observed in helium indicating that the mechanism of H2 insertion is distinct from other fluids. The insertion of hydrogen in the larger pores of MTW results in a strong 11% volume increase at 4.3 GPa with partial symmetrization followed by a second volume increase of 4.5% at 7.5 GPa, corresponding to increases in hydrogen content from 43 to 67 and then to 93 H2/unit cell. Flexible 1D siliceous zeolites have a very high H2 capacity (1.5 and 1.7 H2/SiO2 unit for TON and MTW, respectively) due to H2 insertion in the pores and the framework, in contrast to other atoms and molecules, thereby providing a mechanism for strong swelling.

Standardization of Clinic Flow to Improve Patient Experience in a Student-Run Free Clinic

The Saint Louis University Health Resource Center, a student-run free clinic, has seen a rapid expansion in both the number of services supplied by the clinic and the number of patients seen at clinic. While we are excited to serve more patients, the increase in volume has resulted in increased wait times and clinic throughput, the most frequent complaint of patients. To combat these growing concerns, we standardized the route patients take through the services the clinic provides and embedded this flow into a new statusboard that automatically logs the amount of time patients spend with each service and in the clinic overall. This information feeds directly into a process map of the clinic that better visualizes clinic processes. The utilization of a standardized statusboard resulted in a significant 12 minute and 44 second reduction in the median time patients spend in clinic and identified key decision points where bottlenecks occur in clinic flow. It also resulted in a statistically significant improvement in patent satisfaction. Our results demonstrate that standardizing clinic flow via an automated statusboard improves clinic efficiency, reduces throughput time, and can also significantly improve patient satisfaction. The resulting process map can also identify areas needing intervention and opportunities to continue expanding. As we continue to gather data on where clinic patients are spending the most time, we will continue to optimize services to provide the best experience possible for our patients.

Erosive Progression by High-Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography and Conventional Radiography in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) to assess erosive progression during one year compared to conventional radiography (CR) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This prospective study included 359 patients with RA (disease duration ≥ 5 years) between March 2018 and October 2020. HR-pQCT and CR were obtained at inclusion and after one year. Erosive assessment was performed at two metacarpophalangeal joints of the dominant hand using HR-pQCT and progression was defined as an increase in erosion number ≥ 1 or an increase in erosive volume > least significant change. CR of hands, wrists, and feet were evaluated using Sharp/van der Heijde scores and erosive progression was defined as a 1.1-point increase in erosion score according to the smallest detectable change. In paired analyses (n = 310), erosive progression was identified in 30 patients using CR and in 40 patients using HR-pQCT. In the 40 patients with erosive progression on HR-pQCT, progression was not identified by CR in 33 patients. Adding HR-pQCT to CR doubled the proportion of patients identified with progression from 30 (10%) to 63 (20%) patients. Using CR as the reference, the sensitivity (% (95% CI)) of HR-pQCT for identifying erosive progression was 23.3 (9.9-42.3) and the specificity was 88.2 (83.8-91.7). A substantial proportion of patients with erosive progression are overlooked using CR only to monitor erosive progression. Adding high-resolution peripheral CT to CR doubles the proportion of patients, who may benefit from individualised therapy targeting erosive progression in RA.

Seeded Growth of Size-Tunable Au@Ag Core-Shell Nano-Octahedra and Their Yolk-Shell Derivatives for Near Infrared Photothermal Conversion.

Gold-based nanostructures with well-defined morphologies and hollow interiors have significant potential as a versatile platform for various plasmonic applications including biomedical diagnostics and sensing. In this study, we report the synthesis of Au@Ag core-shell nanocrystals with perfect octahedral shapes and tunable edge lengths via seeded growth. These nanocrystals were then oxidatively carved into yolk-shell nanocages with a retained octahedral morphology. The increase in octahedral edge length and volume of the interior hollow cavity synergistically leads to a red-shift of the LSPR peak. As a result, the optimized Au@AuAg yolk-shell octahedral nanocages showed a remarkable temperature increase of 23 °C upon 15 min irradiation of an 808 nm laser at a power density of 1 W cm-2. This study provides a feasible strategy for creating octahedral AuAg nanostructures with tunable sizes and hollow interiors and validates their promising use in NIR photothermal conversion.

Addressing incomplete tile phenomena in image tiling: Introducing the grid six-intersection model

Abstract With the continuous development of Earth Observation technology, resolution of imagery and gridded data has significantly increased, leading to a rapid increase in data volume. To efficiently acquire and analyze these vast amounts of imagery and gridded data, image tiling technology has been developed to effectively access data of interested areas. Tiling technology divides large-scale image data into smaller tiles, providing fast, accurate, and efficient access support for imagery and gridded data. The spatial grid model, as the foundational framework of the new generation of geographic spatial information, plays a critical role in the retrieval, integration, services, and applications of imagery and gridded data resources. When tiling image data based on the spatial grid model, it always generates both complete and incomplete tiles. Particularly, when conducting image tile retrieval using the same rule-based grid in the retrieval area, incomplete tile phenomena along the boundary regions of the retrieved images often occur, resulting in gaps within the retrieval area. To tackle this issue, in this study, we present a new topological model called the Grid Six-Intersection Model (G-6IM), specifically designed for regular rectangular grids, to accurately represent boundary issues in image tiling. Through a practical case study, we demonstrate the effectiveness and practical application potential of the proposed G-6IM model, providing new insights and guidance for the improvement and optimization of imagery and gridded data tiling technology.

A Recognition and Classification Method for Underground Acoustic Emission Signals Based on Improved CELMD and Swin Transformer Neural Networks

To address the challenges in processing and identifying mine acoustic emission signals, as well as the inefficiency and inaccuracy issues prevalent in existing methods, an enhanced CELMD approach is adopted for preprocessing the acoustic emission signals. This method leverages correlation coefficient filtering to extract the primary components, followed by classification and recognition using the Swin Transformer neural network. The results demonstrate that the improved CELMD method effectively extracts the main features of the acoustic emission signals with higher decomposition accuracy and reduced occurrences of mode mixing and end effects. Furthermore, the Swin Transformer neural network exhibits outstanding performance in classifying acoustic emission signals, surpassing both convolutional neural networks and ViT neural networks in terms of accuracy and convergence speed. Moreover, utilizing preprocessed data from the improved CELMD enhances the performance of the Swin Transformer neural network. With an increase in data volume, the accuracy, stability, and convergence speed of the Swin Transformer neural network continuously improve, and using preprocessed data from the enhanced CELMD yields superior training results compared to those obtained without preprocessing.